Softwood Pulp Market

Softwood Pulp Market Study by Bleached, Unbleached, and Semi-bleached for Paper Production, Absorbent Core Products, Feminine Hygiene Products, Wet Wipes, and Dry Tissues from 2024 to 2034

Analysis of Softwood Pulp Market Covering 30+ Countries Including Analysis of US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Nordics, GCC countries, Japan, Korea and many more

Softwood Pulp Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

Rising requirements for substituting polyethylene with paper bags, particularly in developed and potentially high-growth markets for creating a conducive environment, are driving softwood pulp usage, with global sales set to reach US$ 25.6 billion in 2024. The global softwood pulp market size has been analyzed to advance at a CAGR of 7.2% and reach a value of US$ 51.4 billion by the end of 2034.

Softwood pulp is used in the manufacturing of paper products and dry tissues. Rising awareness about hygiene is set to contribute to the growing consumption of dry tissues, thus positively influencing the softwood pulp market trends in the coming 10 years. The growing consumption of softwood pulp in the manufacturing of absorbent core products is attributed to its properties, including high absorption capacity and many more.

Growing spending by people on hygiene products, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, is due to rising awareness about feminine hygiene, which is expected to contribute to the expansion of the softwood pulp market size in the coming decade.

  • North America is anticipated to hold 17.5% of the softwood pulp market share by the end of the forecast period in 2034.
  • Worldwide demand for softwood pulp for use in wet wipes is calculated to accelerate at 6.9% CAGR and reach a market valuation of US$ 12.8 billion by 2034-end.
  • Sales of softwood pulp in South Korea are projected to rise at 8.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2034.

Rising population of elderly people around the world is expected to lead to the higher adoption of absorbent products, including adult diapers, baby diapers, etc. Furthermore, the presence of FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) companies, such as Kimberly Clark, P&G, Kao Corporation, etc. in potentially high growth countries, such as India, etc. is contributing to the growing consumption of paper pulp. Subsequently, an increase in the sales of softwood pulp is encountered around the world in the forecast period (from 2024 to 2034).

Sustainability is projected to be one of the prominent factors increasing demand for softwood pulp. More regulatory bodies and consumers are inclined to environment-friendly products, which is stimulating various paper and pulp manufacturers to adopt sustainable forestry practices, such as minimizing environmental impacts, etc.

Report Attributes Details
Softwood Pulp Market Size (2024E) US$ 25.6 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F) US$ 51.4 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 7.2% CAGR
Market Share of Non-composite Softwood Pulp (2034F) 69.2%
Japan Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 5.9% CAGR
East Asia Market Share (2034F) 24.6%
Key Companies Profiled
  • Mercer International
  • Ahlstrom-Munksjo
  • WestRock Company
  • UPM
  • Verso
  • Klabin SA
  • Tembec Inc.
  • Arauco North America, Inc.
  • Stora Enso Ovi
  • BillerudKorsnäs AB
  • Rottneros AB
  • Canfor Corp.
  • Port Townsend Paper Company
  • Clearwater Paper Corp
  • Domtar Corporation
  • Nanaimo Forest Products Ltd.
  • Ilim Group
  • Oji Paper Co. Ltd.

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What is Shaping the Global Market for Softwood Pulp?

“Increasing Use of Softwood Pulp in Paper Products and Diaper Production”

The growing demand for softwood pulp is attributed to its increased use in the manufacturing of dry tissues along with the production of various types of paper products. Moreover, paper products are utilized widely for multiple purposes, including in the production and packaging of printed paper. In addition, there has been an increase in the demand for softwood pulp for the production of disposable products manufactured with paper. Utilization of softwood pulp in absorbent core products, including adult diapers and baby diapers, is set to positively impact market growth.

What is Preventing the Global Market from Reaching its Full Potential?

“Fluctuating Cost of Raw Materials and Shifting Preference to Reusable Containers”

Constant fluctuations in the costs of raw materials utilized in softwood pulp manufacturing are anticipated to impact market growth adversely. In addition, shifting preferences to reusable plastic containers from paper-based packaging are projected to restrain softwood pulp market growth.

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How Remunerative in This Business Space for New Companies?

“Constant Efforts toward Product Improvements Will Be the Way to Go”

Growth opportunities in the global market are intricately linked with the commitment of manufacturers to continuous improvements. Startups with a deliberate choice of prioritizing ongoing refinement in their products, processes, and customer experiences are estimated to secure a safe position for themselves. They need to invest in the development of advanced pulping equipment and processes. These innovations aim to reduce energy consumption, increase production efficiency, and minimize environmental impact.

Country-wise Insights

As per a study published by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, the East Asian region is projected to hold 24.6% share of global market revenue by 2034 due to the rising use of paper and paperboards in various end-use industries in the region. In addition, an expansion of e-Commerce platforms is also driving demand for paper, which leads to the rising consumption of softwood pulp in Asia Pacific.

What is the Demand Outlook for Softwood Pulp in the United States?

“Increasing Demand for Specialty Papers”

Attribute United States
Market Value (2024E) US$ 3.1 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 7.9% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F) US$ 6.6 Billion

The United States is anticipated to account for 73.5% of the North American market share by the end of 2034. Growing sales of softwood pulp in the country are because of increasing requirements for specialty papers, including filter papers, label papers, and medical-grade papers. These products need high-quality pulp containing specific properties, therefore creating opportunities for suppliers of softwood pulp.

Which East Asian Country Will offer More Lucrative Opportunities?

“Prominence of China in East Asia with Growing Consumption of Softwood Pulp”

Attribute China
Market Value (2024E) US$ 3.7 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 6.8% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F) US$ 7.2 Billion

China is evaluated to account for 57.3% share of the market in East Asia by the end of the assessment period in 2034. Growing production of paperboards and paper in larger volumes in the country is anticipated to have a positive impact on softwood pulp demand. Growing demand for feminine hygiene products and diapers in China is estimated to drive market growth. Further, rising fluff pulp consumption in the country is projected to drive market growth. The presence of some of the prominent players is also contributing to market expansion. ­

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Category-wise Insights

Paper production, absorbent core products, feminine hygiene products, wet wipes, and dry tissues are some of the prominent applications of softwood pulp, which are widening opportunities for players. As asserted in Fact.MR report, an increased demand for softwood pulp for wet wipes is owing to its multiple characteristics, including strength, high absorbency, and many more, which is generating lucrative opportunities for companies operating in the global market.

Which Softwood Pulp Source is Gaining Prominence?

“Increasing Requirements for Softwood Pulp Made from Non-composite Sources”

Attribute Non-composites
Segment Value (2024E) US$ 17.8 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 7.2% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F) US$ 35.5 Billion

Composite and non-composite are the two sources, which are used for the extraction of softwood pulp. Between these two, the non-composite form of softwood pulp is projected to hold 69.2% share of the global market by the end of 2034. Increased adoption of non-composite softwood pulp is due to its high folding strength, printability, and tensile strength.

Why is Softwood Pulp being Increasingly Used to Manufacture Wet Wipes?

“High Absorbency of Softwood Pulp Increasing Use in Wet Wipes”

Attribute Wet Wipes
Segment Value (2024E) US$ 6.6 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 6.9% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F) US$ 12.8 Billion

Wet wipes are expected to enjoy a market share of 24.9% of global market revenue by the end of the forecast period in 2034. The rising use of softwood pulp in wet wipes is because of its increased absorbency. In addition, it is also utilized for its shorter fiber, making it ideal for tissue paper, wet wipes, and many more.

Competitive Landscape

Leading market players are investing more in strengthening supply chain systems, offering quality products, and new product development to secure their position and increase profit share. In addition, agreements, collaboration, mergers, partnerships, etc. are some other strategies adopted by players to get a competitive edge.

Key players in the softwood pulp market include Mercer International, Ahlstrom-Munksjo, Oji Paper Co. Ltd., WestRock Company, UPM, Verso, Tembec Inc., Arauco North America, Inc., Stora Enso Ovi, BillerudKorsnäs AB, Rottneros AB, Canfor Corp., Klabin SA, Port Townsend Paper Company, Clearwater Paper Corp, Domtar Corporation, Nanaimo Forest Products Ltd., and Ilim Group.

Segmentation of Softwood Pulp Market Research

  • By Source :

    • Composites
    • Non-composites
  • By Type :

    • Bleached
    • Unbleached
    • Semi-bleached
    • Fused
  • By Application :

    • Paper Production
    • Absorbent Core Products
    • Feminine Hygiene Products
    • Wet Wipes
    • Dry Tissues
  • By Region :

    • North America
    • Europe
    • East Asia
    • Latin America
    • Middle East & Africa
    • South Asia & Oceania

- FAQs -

How big is the size of the softwood pulp market in 2024?

The global softwood pulp market is poised to reach US$ 25.6 billion in 2024.

What is the sales outlook for softwood pulp for 2034?

Worldwide demand for softwood pulp is projected to reach a market value of US$ 51.4 billion by 2034-end.

What is the forecasted growth rate for the global market?

The global market is projected to advance at 7.2% CAGR from 2024 to 2034.

How much share of the global market is expected to be held by East Asia?

East Asia is approximated to account for 24.6% share of the global market by 2034.

What is the demand projection for softwood pulp in South Korea?

Sales of softwood pulp in South Korea are forecasted to rise at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2024 to 2034.

What is the market scenario for non-composite softwood pulp?

Non-composite softwood pulp is evaluated to hold 69.2% share of the global market by 2034.

What is softwood pulp used for?

Softwood pulp is widely utilized in absorbent products, including baby diapers, paper towels, and other hygiene products.

- Also of Interest -

Fluff Pulp Market

Fluff Pulp Market Study by Loblolly Pine and Slash Pine for Absorbent Core Products and Feminine Hygiene Products from 2024 to 2034

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Speciality Pulp & Paper Chemicals Market

Speciality Pulp & Paper Chemicals Market Size, Share, Trends Analysis, By Product Type (Functional Chemicals, Bleaching Chemicals and Other Product Types), By Application (Printing, Packaging, Labelling, Other), and By Region - Global Insights 2022 to 2032

Softwood Pulp Market

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